Patents by Inventor Douglas S. Goguen

Douglas S. Goguen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL
    Publication number: 20150038265
    Abstract: Golf balls having a very high positive gradient multilayer core are provided. The multilayer core includes an outer core layer and a very soft, low compression inner core layer. The inner core layer is formed from an unfoamed composition and has a center hardness that is at least 40 Shore C points less than the outer surface hardness of the outer core layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Douglas S. Goguen, Brian Comeau
  • MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL
    Publication number: 20150038267
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core consists of: a solid inner core layer formed from an unfoamed thermoplastic composition and having a diameter of 1.10 inch or less and a center Shore C hardness (Hcenter) of 50 or less, one or more optional intermediate core layers, and an outer core layer formed from an unfoamed thermoset composition and having a thickness of 0.200 inches or greater and an outer surface Shore C hardness (Houter surface) of 70 or greater, wherein Houter surface>Hcenter, and Houter surface?Hcenter?40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
  • GOLF BALLS HAVING MULTI-LAYER CORES BASED ON POLYALKENAMER COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20150024874
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to golf balls and more particularly to golf balls having multi-layered cores comprising a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. A cover layer is disposed about the multi-layered core. At least one of the center, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer comprises a polyalkenamer rubber. The polyalkenamer rubber may be blended with other rubbers such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene diene, and styrene-butadiene rubbers. The polyalkenamer rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Mark L. Binette
  • GOLF BALL CORES BASED ON POLYALKENAMER RUBBER HAVING POSITIVE HARDNESS GRADIENTS
    Publication number: 20150011337
    Abstract: Golf balls having a core comprising a polyalkenamer rubber composition are provided. The rubber composition may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel. In one version, a solid, single core having an outer surface and geometric center is provided, wherein the outer surface has a hardness greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of at least 10 Shore C. In a second version, a dual-core having an inner core and surrounding outer core layer is provided. The inner core has a positive hardness gradient, while the outer core has a zero; negative; or positive hardness gradient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett, Michael J. Sullivan, Robert Blink, Douglas S. Goguen, Mark L. Binette
  • GOLF BALL LAYERS BASED ON POLYALKENAMER / IONOMER/ POLYAMIDE BLENDS
    Publication number: 20140371003
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a core of at least one layer and cover of at least one layer are provided. At least one component is formed from a rubber composition comprising: i) about 10 to about 65 weight percent of a cycloalkene rubber having a trans-content of about 55% or greater and a melting point of 30° C. or greater; ii) about 30 to about 80 weight percent of an ionomeric resin; and 3) about 5 to about 40 weight percent of a polyamide. The rubber composition may further include other thermoplastic and thermosetting materials such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency, durability, scuff-resistance, and feel of the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Blink, Douglas S. Goguen, Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett, Mark L. Binette, Michael J. Sullivan
  • NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT CORES MADE OF POLYALKENAMER RUBBER FOR GOLF BALLS
    Publication number: 20140371005
    Abstract: Golf balls having cores with negative hardness gradients are provided. The cores are made of polyalkenamer rubber compositions that may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. In one version, a solid, single core having an outer surface and center is provided, wherein the outer surface has a hardness substantially the same or lower than the hardness of the center to define a zero or negative hardness gradient. Dual-cores having inner and outer cores can be made, wherein the inner core has a negative hardness gradient and the outer core has a positive or negative hardness gradient. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett, Michael J. Sullivan, Robert Blink, Douglas S. Goguen, Mark L. Binette
  • GOLF BALLS HAVING LOW AND HIGH MODULUS CORE LAYERS BASED ON POLYALKENAMER RUBBER
    Publication number: 20140342850
    Abstract: Golf balls containing a core having at least two layers made from a polyalkenamer rubber composition are provided. At least one layer is made from a relatively low modulus polyalkenamer rubber composition and at least one layer is made from a relatively high modulus polyalkenamer rubber composition. The rubber composition may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Mark L. Binette, David A. Bulpett, Douglas S. Goguen, Robert Blink
  • GOLF BALLS HAVING FOAM CENTER AND THERMOSET OUTER CORE LAYER WITH HARDNESS GRADIENTS
    Publication number: 20140323241
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is preferably less than the density of the outer core layer. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • GOLF BALL CORES HAVING FOAM CENTER AND THERMOSET OUTER LAYERS WITH HARDNESS GRADIENTS
    Publication number: 20140309056
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably formed from non-foamed thermoset compositions such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Golf balls having multi-layer cores based on polyalkenamer compositions
    Patent number: 8852026
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to golf balls and more particularly to golf balls having multi-layered cores comprising a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. A cover layer is disposed about the multi-layered core. At least one of the center, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer comprises a polyalkenamer rubber. The polyalkenamer rubber may be blended with other rubbers such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene diene, and styrene-butadiene rubbers. The polyalkenamer rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Mark L. Binette
  • Golf ball cores based on polyalkenamer rubber having positive hardness gradients
    Patent number: 8845457
    Abstract: Golf balls having a core comprising a polyalkenamer rubber composition are provided. The rubber composition may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel. In one version, a solid, single core having an outer surface and geometric center is provided, wherein the outer surface has a hardness greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of at least 10 Shore C. In a second version, a dual-core having an inner core and surrounding outer core layer is provided. The inner core has a positive hardness gradient, while the outer core has a zero; negative; or positive hardness gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett, Michael J. Sullivan, Robert Blink, Douglas S. Goguen, Mark L. Binette
  • GOLF BALL CORES HAVING FOAM CENTER AND POLYMERIC OUTER LAYERS WITH HARDNESS GRADIENTS
    Publication number: 20140256473
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Negative hardness gradient cores made of polyalkenamer rubber for golf balls
    Patent number: 8821316
    Abstract: Golf balls having cores with negative hardness gradients are provided. The cores are made of polyalkenamer rubber compositions that may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. In one version, a solid, single core having an outer surface and center is provided, wherein the outer surface has a hardness substantially the same or lower than the hardness of the center to define a zero or negative hardness gradient. Dual-cores having inner and outer cores can be made, wherein the inner core has a negative hardness gradient and the outer core has a positive or negative hardness gradient. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett, Michael J. Sullivan, Robert Blink, Douglas S. Goguen, Mark L. Binette
  • MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL
    Publication number: 20140243113
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition, a layer formed from an additional thermoplastic composition, and an outermost layer formed from a thermoset rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Multi-Layer Cover Golf Ball Having Thermoset Rubber Intermediate Cover Layer
    Publication number: 20140206477
    Abstract: A golf ball including a core and a cover including a thermoplastic inner cover layer having a material hardness of 60 to 80 Shore D; a thermoset outer cover layer comprising a castable polyurea and having a material hardness of 20 to 60 Shore D; and a thermoset intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers and having a hardness substantially the same as the inner cover layer hardness and greater than the outer cover layer hardness. The inner cover includes one or more high- or low-acid ionomers and, optionally, a maleic anhydride modified polyolefin. The intermediate layer is formed from a castable liquid polybutadiene rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, William E. Morgan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, David A. Bulpett
  • Golf ball with negative hardness gradient core
    Patent number: 8784235
    Abstract: Golf ball comprising a single layer core formed from a substantially homogenous formulation and comprising: geometric center and outer surface; inner core region disposed about the geometric center, outer core region adjacent the outer surface, and intermediate core region disposed between the inner and outer core regions and extending radially from about 10 mm to about 16 mm from the geometric center. A first hardness is disposed within the inner core region, a second hardness is disposed within the outer core region, and a third hardness of from about 40 Shore C to about 95 Shore C (or about 30 Shore D to about 70 Shore D) is disposed within the intermediate core region and is greater than each of the first and second hardnesses. At least one hardness in the outer core region is substantially the same as or less than a hardness in the inner core region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, David A. Bulpett
  • Multi-layer core golf ball
    Patent number: 8715112
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition, a layer formed from an additional thermoplastic composition, and an outermost layer formed from a thermoset rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Golf balls having low and high modulus core layers based on polyalkenamer rubber
    Patent number: 8684866
    Abstract: Golf balls golf balls containing a core having at least two layers made from a polyalkenamer rubber composition are provided. At least one layer is made from a relatively low modulus polyalkenamer rubber composition and at least one layer is made from a relatively high modulus polyalkenamer rubber composition. The rubber composition may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core. In one version, a dual-core having an inner core and surrounding outer core layer is provided. In another version, the golf ball contains a three-piece core having an intermediate core layer made of polybutadiene rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Mark L. Binette, David A. Bulpett, Douglas S. Goguen, Robert Blink
  • Multi-layer cover golf ball having thermoset rubber intermediate cover layer
    Patent number: 8678951
    Abstract: A golf ball including a core and a cover including a thermoplastic inner cover layer having a material hardness of 60 to 80 Shore D; a thermoset outer cover layer comprising a castable polyurea and having a material hardness of 20 to 60 Shore D; and a thermoset intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers and having a hardness substantially the same as the inner cover layer hardness and greater than the outer cover layer hardness. The inner cover includes one or more high- or low-acid ionomers and, optionally, a maleic anhydride modified polyolefin. The intermediate layer is formed from a castable liquid polybutadiene rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, William E. Morgan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, David A. Bulpett
  • Golf ball core with soft outer transition volume and negative hardness gradient
    Patent number: 8672777
    Abstract: A golf ball including a unitary core having a volume, an outer surface, a geometric center, and an outermost transition volume adjacent to the outer surface, the core being formed from a substantially homogenous composition; and a cover layer including ionomer, metallocene-catalyzed polymer, polyester, polyamide, non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer, copolyether-ester, copolyether-amide, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polystyrene block copolymer. The outermost transition volume is disposed between the core outer surface and the geometric center, the transition volume has an outer portion congruent with the core outer surface, and comprises the outermost 45% of the core volume or less. Both a hardness of the core outer surface and a hardness within the outermost transition volume are less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen